And The Cry Is - Bullard for England!

There was a scream of delight in our household when Jimmy Bullard`s name appeared in the England squad.

After all, it`s hard to remember when we last had a player who stood a realistic chance of appearing for the national team.

With Steven Gerrard out injured and Frank Lampard struggling with a thigh injury, there is every reason to hope that Jimmy wil get a start against Andorra.

However, all week, since the squad was announced, we`ve been wondering what the rest of the squad will be making of our Jimmy, the effervescent bundle of action who isn`t afraid to stick on Chas n` Dave music in the dressing room.

Well tonight, in the Evening Standard, ray Lewington has given a wonderful insight into what Capello and the rest of the England lads can expect by commenting,

"I`ll give it until Thursday and Jim will be the leader of the pack in that squad."

"Nothing fazes him, not even the thought that he might have a chance of playing against Croatia in that hostile atmosphere. He`ll love it."

"The one thing about Jim is that he doesn`t do quiet. You can always hear him in the dressing room at the training ground, shouting, screaming, singing but most of all laughing."

"It can drive you nuts occasionally but you`ll still probably end up laughing at him."

"He`s hyperactive, he can`t sit still, there`s a little of the Paul Gascoigne in him."

"It would be doing Bullard a disservice though, to dismiss him as just a joker."

"Jim`s a marvellous dead-ball kicker, one of the best."

"I would imagine that, in training this week with England, Jim will be itching to show people what they he can do."

"If they`re playing a game and there`s a free kick, Jim will want the ball. He`ll be fighting David Beckham, Frank Lampard, David Bentley and the rest."

"His biggest asset apart, from his dead-ball ability is undoubtedly his enthusiasm. He`ll be like a dog with two tails this week."

"I don`t quite know what Mr Capello will make of him but, one thing`s for sure. Jim won`t be bashful."

If I see Jimmy stood there, chest puffed out and singing the national anthem this weekend, I`m not afraid to admit there`ll be the odd tear in my eye.

I'll be pleased if the bloke just makes the bench, hopefully England will perform decently against Andorra and with a comfortable 3-0 lead in the second half Capello will give Bullard his first cap! Heard on radio that Fat Lampard sat out training today, although expected to be fit for Saturday, maybe if Lampard is out too Bullard will get his chance!